Shropshire launches its Domestic Abuse Strategy and training events
Shropshire’s Community Safety Partnership has launched its Domestic Abuse Strategy as part of its continued commitment to tackle domestic abuse across the county.
The Domestic Abuse Strategy 2018 – 2020, is a key priority for the partnership and details how organisations in Shropshire will work together in order to prevent domestic abuse taking place. The strategy also gives an insight into the services available to protect the victim and their families, and how the partnership deals with perpetrators.
Abuse in the home is one of the hardest issues to talk about and it often takes tremendous courage for victims to come forward, seek support, and talk about their experiences. Domestic abuse effects both women and men, as well as the children, whose development and wellbeing can be profoundly affected if they are exposed to witnessing domestic abuse.
The strategy’s aim is to improve services for victims of domestic abuse in Shropshire and respond effectively to domestic abuse. It also aims to assist partnerships and agencies across Shropshire in delivering a joined up response to those affected by domestic abuse, underpinned by a recognition and understanding that no single agency can address this complex issue in isolation.
Priorities and actions in the strategy include:
- Preventing domestic abuse (and associated harm) from taking place by:
- Targeted campaigns and key messages utilising existing programmes and media.
- Ensuring that staff are trained to an appropriate level for their role that provides the rights skills and knowledge about Domestic Abuse.
- Ensuring victims of domestic abuse are able to access information and support they require through the recognised pathways they choose.
- Delivering co-ordinated and sustainable services to victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse by:
- Ensuring that the strategies and action plans developed by Shropshire’s Strategic Partnership Boards demonstrates the work they are undertaking to tackle domestic abuse in Shropshire.
- Ensuring that interventions are in place to meet the needs of a diverse range of victims and families.
- Delivering a local programme for perpetrators without a criminal record, with the aim of reducing their abusive behaviour
Councillor Lee Chapman, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing said;
“Domestic abuse is an under reported crime and we know that reporting figures do not reflect the full picture as, all too often, violence and abuse remain unreported with many victims too afraid or embarrassed to seek help.
“It is therefore vital that we keep domestic abuse at the top of our agenda and Shropshire’s Domestic Abuse Strategy for 2018-2020 represents our commitment to tackle the issue head on.”
Paul Cooper, Chair of the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Forum, said:
“The strategy is the culmination of a great deal of work by all partners in the council, health care providers, the clinical commissioning group, the police and the independent sector. Whilst it sets priorities and guidance about where to get help, the impact upon the women, children and men should remain at the fore of all in the community, no one should live with fear and violence and no one should ever feel unable to come forward either as a victim or if they are worried about someone else.”
Shropshire’s Domestic Abuse Strategy 2018 -2020 builds on previous domestic abuse strategies, and the Governments Violence against Women and Girls Strategy, in order to support victims and to explore ways to encourage offenders to seek the assistance they need to change their behaviour. A copy of the strategy can be found at:
https://shropshire.gov.uk/media/10017/shropshire-domestic-abuse-strategy-2018-2020.pdf
Wendy Bulman, Manager of Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS) said:
“I am proud to be a part of the multi-agency team that worked together to produce this strategy. SDAS is integral to the strategy however we are clear we are not the only service who should tackle this crime.
“We hope everyone will look at the training available and learn how to offer support and guidance to any women, man or child in a way that is appropriate and safe.
“Referrals to our service are up by 203% from 2016/17 to 2017/18. I echo Lee Chapman’s comments; it is vital we keep domestic abuse at the top of the agenda and funding is secured to tackle this crime.”
For support, help and advice in regards to Domestic Abuse you can call Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service: 0300 303 1191 or email: sdas@shropsdas.org.uk
If you are worried or frightened by your partner or ex-partner, a family member or someone close to you, please call one of the following:
| National 24hour Domestic Violence Helpline | 0808 2000 247 |
| Shropshire Domestic Abuse Helpline 24hour | 0800 7831 359 |
| M.A.L.E (Men’s Advice Line) | 0808 801 0327 |
| Lesbian and Gay Foundation | 0845 330 3030 |
REMEMBER – In an emergency always call the Police on 999
Domestic Abuse Briefings training events
A series of training events for practitioners and organisations who work with adults, children and families, are now taking place across the county. The Domestic Abuse Briefings are free training sessions. The sessions will help professionals to identify what domestic abuse is, explore the impact on others living in the home/family, what to do if they feel something isn’t quite right and find out what specialist support services are available.
To find out more about the Domestic Abuse Briefings click here: http://www.safeguardingshropshireschildren.org.uk/media/1138/da-briefing-flyer-sept-2018.pdf
To book a session visit: https://shropshire.gov.uk/joint-training/courses-and-accredited-qualifications/courses/ for practitioners who work with adults.
For those who work with children, young people and families you can book via the Safeguarding Shropshire website here: http://www.safeguardingshropshireschildren.org.uk/professionals-and-volunteers/safeguarding-training/
For more information about Shropshire’s Community Safety Partnership visit https://shropshire.gov.uk/crime-and-community-safety/
Further information
Shropshire’s Domestic Abuse Strategy 2018 – 2020 has been produced by Shropshire Domestic Abuse Forum (SDAF) on behalf of Shropshire’s Community Safety Partnership. The document has been developed in consultation with a wide range of agencies, organisations and individuals.
Shropshire’s Community Safety Partnership is made up of the following organisations.
- Shropshire Council
- Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group
- Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
- West Mercia Police
- National Probation Service
- Community Rehabilitation Company
- Youth Justice Service
